This Weeks Print Inspiration and MakerMail

This brings me to MakerMail...

I call this print my 'Everyday Life Reminders'. Originally the idea for this print came from sitting at my cubicle day in and day out. I would battle traffic for an hour, plant myself at my cubicle and dive into work. Once absorbed into the daily grind I would often forget about many things. When I say "forget" what I really mean is I would purposely prioritize work items over taking care of myself. Eating would get pushed back or bypassed all together. I would grab a snack on the way home or live on the stash of granola bars in my desk. I would drink my morning tea/coffee because it would wake me up for the drive but then I would forget to drink water, any water, at all, not good. My office setup wasn't the best and I would slouch or slump at my desk for hours on end. I would see myself and my co-workers get focused on deadlines, meetings, projects and forget to truly interact, empathize and recharge. 

One day, feeling particularly like a lifeless blob, I put up a sticky note on my monitor to remind me to sit up properly. A few days later another one went up to remind my to hydrate, another one to eat and so on and so on. Needless to say...I had quite a few sticky notes in the end but they were right there in my face and I did force myself to do as they said. 

That is where the inspiration and content for this print came from. No more sticky notes required though, as I have turned it into a more visually pleasant reminder to do all these things. It is small enough to sit on a desk but big enough that it is still in your face reminding you to take care of yourself too. 

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This weeks print inspiration...

MakerMail is a collaborative project entirely created by the OMHG community of makers. It was an idea mentioned during an #OMHG twitter chat and now has become a beautifully-crafted movement that directly connects makers to buyers. 

There are two options for the 2014 Gifting Edition of MakerMail;
1) Letter Mail: Sign up for Letter Mail and 3 makers will send you 3 flat mailers of pretty little paper goods, like prints and notecards, directly to you or your selected recipient.
2) Packages: Sign up for Packages and 3 makers will send beautiful handmade objects, wrapped for giving, right to your or your recipients mailbox.

No matter which option you select, each item is handmade with love and shipped from the Maker, a series of sweet little goodies arriving to brighten your day and connect you with our community! Plus, purchasing handmade is always a more personal experience, so don't be surprised to find that each package comes with a personal handwritten note. 

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My 'Everyday Life Reminders' print is one of items you may receive when selecting the LetterMail option. It is ready to frame (5x7), comes in two colours and makes a lovely gift for yourself or for someone you know who works so tirelessly that they often forget to take time for themselves. 


Other makers of the 2014 Gift Giving edition are...

• Kimberly Kling, Joyful Roots
  
• Kristen Olson, Rustic Romance Crafts
• Jennifer Moffat-Hallam, Pikelet Workshop
• Karen Jansen, Ink and Dirt Designs
• Ashey Shelton, Pinecone Grove
• Veronica Guzzardi
• Alison Butler, The Petit Cadeau
• Magda Marsh, Twisted Thread and Hook
• Melanie Gipson, Violets Buds
• Cody Bauchman, Lu & Ed

Signups are now open and close November 10th 2014. There are limited spots available so sign up soon! All the goodies will go out on November 19th 2014,  just in time for the holiday giving season. Support the handmade community and receive some sweet surprises at your door. Sounds good right?

-- Karen

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